Dental Hygienist in Greenwich
Preventative dental care for a healthier mouth
Visiting a dentist on a regular basis is part of most people’s general health regime. Seeing a hygienist however, does not always seem to have the same priority, yet, being seen regularly by our Greenwich hygienist is one of the most effective ways of preventing dental problems, especially gum disease.
An oral hygienist fulfills two key roles in preventative dental care; educational and practical.
Education
Most people fall into habits which they learned early on in life. This can mean that, without professional advice, they are likely to continue dietary and teeth cleaning habits handed down by their parents. With the best will in the world, dental knowledge has advanced and even small changes in the way that you look after your teeth can make a big difference.
When you visit the hygienist at the Confidental Clinic in Greenwich, they will discuss a number of things with you. Amongst these will be your lifestyle choices. This may include factors such as your dietary habits, whether you smoke or not, and how much alcohol you drink. All of these can have a negative impact on your teeth and gums. Smoking especially can not only encourage gum disease but is widely thought to be a major contributor to oral cancers, which can be fatal if not detected early enough.
If you currently do not practise interdental cleaning, you may also be shown how to use dental floss or an interdental brush to help to remove plaque and food particles that are trapped between the teeth, one of the main areas where problems start.
Scale and Polish
It is very likely that you will also be given a ‘scale and polish’. This is a professional dental clean which helps to remove the tartar (hardened bacteria) from your teeth and gum line. This is critical in the prevention of gum disease, a major cause of tooth loss in the UK.
The procedure is straightforward and is not uncomfortable. It is also one of the most effective ways to fight gum diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Many patients also report that their teeth both look and feel cleaner after the procedure too!
In general, we recommend that patients see the hygienist approximately every six months and this is usually sufficient to keep the mouth healthy as long as you also follow a good personal oral care regimen. Some groups are at a higher risk though, and, in these cases, we may suggest more regular hygienist checks.
To arrange an appointment with a hygienist at the Confidental Clinic in Greenwich, please call us on the number at the head of the page and our team will be pleased to help.
